Government
Transport Topics government and regulatory coverage keeps managers of a highly-regulated industry aware of the policy decisions that can shape their businesses. Covering both the legislative and regulatory aspects of policy-making, at both the state and national levels, the news in this category includes looks at infrastructure, hours of service, emissions rules, funding measures, leadership appointments, and more. Readers can follow what’s happening in Congress, at the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Administration, and in state and local governments.
Court Declines to Rehear Calif. Low-Carbon Fuel Case
A federal appeals court has declined to rehear a legal challenge to block implementation of California’s low-carbon fuel standard aimed at lowering greenhouse-gas emissions in the transportation sector.
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Diesel Price Declines to $3.873; Gasoline Also Falls
Diesel and gasoline both fell for a second straight week, with diesel declining 1.3 cents to $3.873 a gallon, the Department of Energy reported.
FMCSA to Shut Down Carriers Based on Executives’ Past Safety Violations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has finalized a rule to allow officials to shut down trucking companies based on patterns of safety violations by the company or its leaders.
January 22, 2014Marten Reports Record Earnings in 2013
Truckload carrier Marten Transport reported 2013 was the best financial year in its history, but fourth-quarter income declined.
January 22, 2014FMCSA Suspends Some HOS Regulations for Propane Haulers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has temporarily waived enforcement of certain trucking regulations as part of an emergency declaration covering 34 Eastern, Southern and Midwestern states and the District of Columbia through Feb. 11.
FMCSA Set to Release Proposals On ELDs, Drug-Test Database
WASHINGTON — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said it is close to releasing proposals to require electronic logging devices in all trucks and to establish a clearinghouse for employers to check for positive drug and alcohol tests before hiring drivers.
January 20, 2014Editorial: Safety Equals Flexibility
Two hundred thirty-six. That is how many truck occupants died in highway crashes during 2012 who were not wearing a safety belt, according to the federal government.
January 20, 2014House Forms Special Panel on Public-Private Partnerships
Public-private partnerships have gained ground in the debate over how to pay for roads and other infrastructure projects with the announcement of a special House panel to explore P3 issues and opportunities.
Distracted Driving Remains Top Issue for NTSB
The National Transportation Safety Board said Jan. 16 distracted driving remains a top concern for the agency in 2014, and it will continue advocacy efforts to eliminate distraction in transportation.
January 16, 2014Economy Expands at Moderate Pace; Transportation Services Mostly Positive, Fed Says
The U.S. economy continued to expand at a moderate pace from November to the end of the year, with reports on transportation services generally positive, the Federal Reserve said.
January 16, 2014